Naruo Golf Club

Naruo Golf Club, established in 1920 in Kawanishi near Osaka, stands among Japan's oldest and most historically significant courses. The original layout was designed by C. H. Alison, the English architect who shaped many of Japan's classic courses during the 1920s and 1930s. Alison's work at Naruo reflects his characteristic strategic bunkering and thoughtful use of natural terrain, creating a course that has influenced Japanese golf design for over a century. The Crane family—Joe E. Crane and his sons Harry and Bertie—later contributed modifications and refinements to the layout, adding their own design perspectives to Alison's foundation. The course occupies rolling terrain in the Hyogo region, where elevation changes and mature tree-lined corridors define the playing experience. Naruo's design emphasizes precision over length, with strategic bunkering that rewards careful placement and punishes wayward shots. The routing takes advantage of natural contours, creating holes that require thoughtful club selection and course management rather than relying solely on distance. As one of Japan's traditional private clubs, Naruo maintains the formal membership culture characteristic of the country's elite golf establishments. The club has hosted various regional competitions and remains a respected venue within Japanese golf circles. Its longevity and architectural pedigree place it among the handful of courses that document the early development of golf in Japan, preserving design principles from an era when strategic architecture took precedence over modern demands for length and tournament spectacle.